Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central and South America
Machu Picchu, Rio de Janiero, the Panama Canal. Central and South America is one of the best regions for exotic travel. It provides multiple Wonders of the World and a wide variety of cuisines and cultures to explore. But, there are some risks involved.
Passport Health offers all the medications and vaccinations you may need to travel safely throughout Central and South America. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.
Countries in this region include:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South America?
The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Central and South America: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever and rabies.
Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, meningitis and polio.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Central and South America |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for most travellers to all regions. |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
Recommended for most travellers to all regions. |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for most travellers to all regions. |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
May be recommended based on your specific itinerary. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne | May be recommended or required for most of the region. |
| Rabies | Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Recommended Routine Vaccinations for Central and South America |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) | Wounds or Airborne |
One adult booster of pertussis recommended for most travellers. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Generally recommended for all travellers. Vaccine components change annually. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact or Airborne |
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Recommended for individuals 50+. Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | All individuals 65+ or immunocompromised should receive this vaccine. |
| Meningitis | Airborne or Direct Contact |
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Contaminated Food or Water |
Generally considered a routine vaccination. Single adult booster recommended. |
Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South America?
While a beautiful destination, there are some additional risks for travel to Central and South America.
Dengue and Zika are present in most countries in the region. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination or medication to prevent these infections. Make sure to bring and use mosquito repellent and netting. Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Malaria is prevalent in some regions, especially jungles. Be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about your antimalarial options. Your specialist will be able to provide you with the best information based on your specific travel plans.
Travellers’ diarrhea is a risk for all travellers. Recent studies show up to 70 percent of travellers will contract some form of diarrhea during their trip. This can lead to missed work days, travel experiences and more. Make sure to take precautions by eating at reputable establishments, washing hands regularly and brining a travellers’ diarrhea kit.
What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South America?
Many of the most popular destinations in Central and South America do not require visas. But, major countries like Brazil and Paraguay do. Make sure you to verify your travel document requirements before leaving on your trip.
Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry when arriving from a country with transmission or upon entry. Check with your travel health specialist or the specific destination advice page to learn more about your specific destination’s requirements.
See the below table for more information:
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for My Trip? |
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| Passport | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Required Vaccinations |
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| Argentina |  |
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| Belize | |
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| Bolivia | |
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| Brazil | |
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| Chile | |
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| Colombia | |
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| Costa Rica | |
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| Ecuador | |
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| El Salvador | |
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| Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | |
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| French Guiana | |
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| Guatemala | |
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| Guyana | |
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| Honduras | |
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| Mexico | |
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| Nicaragua | |
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| Panama | |
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| Paraguay | |
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| Peru | |
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| South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
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| Suriname | |
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| Uruguay | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Travelling to Another Destination?
Travelling outside of Central and South America? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South America?
Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South America?
What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South America?
Travelling to Another Destination?
